But before you can begin your trucking career, there are a few steps you need to take. If you’ve always wanted a career where you could live on the road, becoming a truck driver is a great way.
It offers an outstanding work-life balance, competitive salaries, and flexible routes. Keep reading to learn more about those steps!
Get a Trucking Career Driver’s License
Truck driving is a career that can take you around the country, and it’s an industry that moves the lifeblood of the US economy. If you’re interested in joining this workforce, the first step is to get a driver’s license. You’ll need to obtain a learner’s permit and take some tests before practicing on the road with a qualified CDL holder. It will vary by state, but it usually includes a series of written exams and a physical exam.
Get a Job
Truck driving is a career that allows you to work independently. You don’t have to deal with bosses breathing down your neck or customers trying to take advantage of you, and it’s a great way to get out of the office and have some free time. There are companies like Tenstreet that could help you get a job and vice versa. They help trucking companies hire the competent drivers that they will need.
In addition, truck drivers can adjust their schedules to work traditional or off-the-clock hours and even travel around the country. It makes it a perfect job for people with busy schedules who want to be chained down by a desk job.
Get the Right Training Trucking Career
Truck drivers need to get the proper training to be able to operate large vehicles safely and correctly. They must also know how to handle different loads and weather conditions when driving.
Some trucking companies use their federal workforce development money to pay for truck driver training schools. Instead of training new drivers on the job, these companies often send them to a training school for weeks and then pair them with trainers to drive trucks together.
These trainers, who get a few extra cents per mile to accompany the student on the road, can tell when the driver is ready for independent driving. It can mean the difference between a driver who stays with the company for 20 years or one who quits after a year on the road making low wages.
Keep Up with Your Training Trucking Career
Truck drivers must stay committed to learning and improving their career skills. They can do this by taking CDL training seriously and gaining feedback from experienced truckers.
Drivers should also prioritize their health to ensure longevity in their careers. Drinking water, exercising, and eating a healthy diet are all crucial.
Despite the challenges, a career as a truck driver can be gratifying. In addition to earning a high income, drivers can live a life that is truly their own.
Drive Safely
Trucking Career can be an excellent career for those who like to travel. It can also offer a flexible work schedule that allows you to choose your hours and routes.
Drivers must be conscious of their surroundings and refrain from distractions that take their focus off the road. They also need to be careful around other vehicles on the road.
If you’re tired, take a short break and drive to a safe location. Taking breaks will help you stay focused on the task and prevent fatigue that could lead to accidents.
Stay Healthy
Being a truck driver is challenging and can affect your health and well-being. Long stretches of driving and tight delivery schedules can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, social isolation, and other health problems.
To maintain good health, eating healthy foods and regular exercising is essential. These are the best ways to stay in shape while on the road.
Take Care of Your Vehicle
Taking care of your vehicle is essential when you are on the road. Whether it is a tire that needs to be changed or a side mirror that needs to be fixed, you want to ensure that everything works correctly.
It can help you keep your truck in tip-top shape and prevent minor issues from developing into significant problems that will lead to downtime and costly repairs.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of your physical health is essential to ensure your long-term success as a truck driver. Keeping a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you stay in good shape, prevent back pain and other ailments, and extend your lifespan.
You can also benefit from the health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and 401(k) plan employers offer their employees.
Another great thing about being a truck driver is that you can set your schedule and work as much or as little as you want to. It gives you freedom and flexibility that other jobs don’t provide.
Stay Connected
Many truck drivers face loneliness due to the time spent alone in their vehicles. It can lead to mental health issues like depression and sleep disturbances.
An excellent way to avoid these issues is to regularly stay connected to your family and friends.
You can communicate with your family using various options. Set up scheduled one-on-one or group chats to ensure you are always in contact with your loved ones.